Understanding the Cycle of Illiberal Democracies: A Psychological Perspective

The rise of populist leaders and the corresponding shift towards illiberal democracies is not a new phenomenon. Historically, this trend has been linked to periods of increasing stress and pressure in the environment, leading to a surge in right-wing populism driven by negative and anxious brain states. This article explores the psychological dynamics behind this trend, drawing on existing theories and insights from neuroscience, psychology, and political science.

A Psychological Perspective on Populism

According to modern psychological theories, the rise of populist leaders and the shift towards illiberal democracies can be understood through the lens of brain function and cognitive biases. The brain is divided into two main hemispheres, the left and the right, each with distinct functions. The left brain, often associated with logic, reason, and positive thinking, can lead to a more stable and progressive society. In contrast, the right brain, associated with emotions, intuition, and negative thinking, can lead to more anxiety and fear-driven decision-making.

Populism and the rise of right-wing governments are often driven by the activation of the right brain's anxiety and fear centers. In periods of high stress, such as economic crises or societal uncertainty, the right brain can become hyperactive, leading to a cycle of negative thinking and heightened anxiety. This can manifest as right-wing OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) where individuals or groups become fixated on perceived threats and seek immediate solutions, often characterized by authoritarianism and nationalism.

The Cycle of Illiberal Democracies

This cycle of right-wing populism is often self-perpetuating. When individuals or groups feel threatened and anxious, they are more likely to support leaders who promise quick and decisive action, even if these leaders may undermine democratic institutions and values. Such leaders often resonate with the public's anxieties and fears, leading to a victory in the democratic process. Once in power, these leaders can use their authority to consolidate power and limit democratic participation, further entrenching the cycle of illiberal democracies.

The cycle can be summarized in the following steps:

Stress and Pressure: Periods of economic downturn, political instability, or social upheaval increase stress levels and anxiety in the population, particularly in the right brain. Negative Brain Activation: Due to the heightened stress, the right brain becomes more dominant, leading to a negative outlook and a focus on perceived threats. Populist Leaders: Right-wing populist leaders resonate with the public's fears and anxieties, promising quick solutions and decisive action. They gain popularity and support, often winning elections. Right-Wing Government: Once in power, these leaders can implement policies that undermine democratic institutions, leading to a shift towards an illiberal democracy. Consolidation of Power: To maintain their grip on power, these leaders often limit democratic participation and freedom of the press, ensuring that the cycle continues.

Exploring the Origins of Populism

Historically, Karl Marx could recognize the cycle of right-wing populism and its impact on democratic societies. However, he did not have the tools to explain the psychological mechanisms behind it. Modern neuroscience and psychology offer new insights into the brain's role in decision-making and political behavior. By understanding the factors that drive the right brain's activation and the cognitive biases that lead to right-wing populism, we can better navigate this challenging period in history.

One such tool is the Engaged Government Mindset (EGMi), a framework for integrating left brain logic and positive thinking with right brain emotional and intuitive processing. By maximizing the use of the left brain, individuals and leaders can promote a more stable, logical, and positive approach to governance, leading to a better functioning society and a more effective democratic process.

Conclusion

The rise of populism and the shift towards illiberal democracies are complex phenomena driven by psychological and social factors. By understanding the role of the right brain in creating anxiety and fear and the left brain in promoting logic and positive thinking, we can better address these challenges. Engaged Government Mindset (EGMi) offers a framework for integrating these different brain functions to promote goodness-based world democracy for the first time. It is up to us to apply these insights to create a more stable and equitable democratic society.